Cheers to That! Sydney’s Best Sunday Sessions

When the sun is shining on a Sunday, it’s un-Australian not to make the most of it. We may be a bit biased, but when it comes to Sunday sessions, Sydney has it covered. A ritual that marks the end of the week in the best way possible: getting outside and soaking up the glorious weather, be it by the beach, in a beer garden, or on a rooftop.

We’ve rounded up Sydney’s best Sunday session venues, so there’s nothing standing in between you and a spritz. Apart from Monday morning, of course.

From colourful beginnings, The Imperial has been a fixture on the Erskineville nightlife scene since 1983 and invites patrons to "drink, dance, drag and dine." 'Explore Yourself Sundays' is a celebration of diversity and brings together everything that The Imperial is loved for; killer music, live entertainment and good times. Entry is free and the party spans across all three levels, with drink specials running from 5pm-7pm.

Sitting pretty in the middle of the harbour, The Island is a floating, open-air venue that opens for the summertime. Each weekend The Island hosts their Beach Club, transporting revellers to a chic European-style day club on the water. To secure passage to the Beach Club, tickets are $50pp and include return water taxi and welcome drink.

With a prime corner position, Darlo Bar is a retro pub and a much-loved local haunt. Downstairs is strewn with fairy lights and upstairs you’ll find an open-air courtyard with a rooftop garden. Sunday sessions at Darlo Bar are for record appreciated with their weekly Viva La Vinyl event. Expect disco, soul and funk LPs and records spun all afternoon from 3pm. Better still, pool is free and the Bloody Mary's are $16 all day!

When Sunday rolls around, head up to one of the city’s best beachside bars, for Sneaky Sunday's Beach Club. This local Bondi hotspot is bright and airy, with sweeping views over the beach, great soundtracks, and a vibe that’s as chilled as the rosé. On Sundays music legends Sneaky Sound System take over The Bucket List with a killer lineup of DJs. Music starts from 6pm, and it's $15 entry after 8pm, with complimentary tacos, so get in early!

With the help of charming live acoustic performances from 1pm-4pm, every Sunday at the Pier is a pleasure from start to finish. Located on the harbour foreshore, the pub has views stretching all the way to Cockatoo Island. To wind up the week, it puts on an excellent Sunday roast along with its usual menu of pub classics. The pork belly and crackling with pumpkin mash and apple purée is our pick.

A local’s pub, The Vic On Park has an enviable community feel and is synonymous with live music, street art and Sunday sessions. There’s an expansive outdoor courtyard, with a basketball court, which is put to use by patrons and their canine friends. Come Sunday the DJ starts spinning from 3pm, and at 6pm you can go in the running to win your doggy friend a meat tray in the Maggie's Rescue Raffle.

Another Clovelly gem, the ‘Cloey’, as locals affectionately call it, is a sprawling seaside venue with a number of nooks and crannies to explore. Grab a drink from one of the many bars, and try to nab an outdoor table in the sun, so you can enjoy the live music sounds. While you’re there, order a feast from the menu, which features everything from pub grub classics to Middle Eastern delights.

381 Clovelly Road, Clovelly

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As soon as the sun peeks out, the eastern suburbs set makes their way to Watsons Bay Hotel, a quintessential Sydney venue that’s right on the harbour. The aptly-named ‘Beach Club’ is buzzing every Sunday with people sitting under the blue-and-white striped umbrellas, tucking into juicy prawns and sipping sangria and ciders. On Sundays, kids eat free from 5-7pm when dining with adults, and the frosé is $12 everyday.

Bondi is brimming with Sunday sessions, and the newly renovated Ravesis is a local favourite. The space is decked out in flamingo pink, with indoor and outdoor spaces all overlooking Bondi Beach. The balcony is where it’s at, so settle in with a colourful cocktail, order some freshly shucked oysters and let the DJ provide the soundtrack. Come 7pm, head downstairs to watch the live band.

When you want to impress out-of-towners or just remind yourself of just how beautiful this city is, go to Opera Bar. This iconic spot boasts stunning views of the Harbour and surrounds, and attracts just as many locals as it does visitors. And for good reason: views aside, it has live music, an excellent drinks list, plus a raw bar, charcuterie and café serving up food to accompany your alfresco drinks.

Over 150 years old, Woolloomooloo’s Frisco Hotel is an enduring favourite. To sweeten the deal, each Sunday they have $10 mojitos all day! Make the most of the day by securing your spot on the upper-balcony early. Dine on delicious upscale pub food and soak in the harbour views. Better still, the Frisco is dog-friendly so no need to leave Fido at home!

When you’re in the mood for a Sunday session, Manly Wharf Hotel has you covered all year-round. In winter, it cooks up a traditional Sunday roast with a glass of wine, but it shines brightest in summer. Come straight from the beach and feast on salads, burgers, seafood or roasted chicken, while sipping on an Aperol Spritz and taking in the beautiful harbour views.

The Newport is a seaside spot that makes every Sunday a funday. Set on the shore of Pittwater, the Hamptons-style venue is huge, with a range of indoor and outdoor bars, a retro games area (ping pong, anyone?), and plenty of space to bask in the sun. As for food, there’s a rotisserie, wood-fired pizzeria, burger shack, and of course, a seafood restaurant serving up prawns by the bucket. Every second Sunday between 12pm-2pm, the Reptile Man is on hand to keep the kids entertained with lizards, snakes and cold-blooded creatures.